HIE
Also written as: HIE — Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
Brain injury in newborns caused by lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain during the perinatal period.
Full Definition
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain dysfunction that occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough oxygen or blood flow for a period sufficient to cause cellular injury. In the perinatal setting, this most commonly occurs during labor and delivery but can happen before or after birth. HIE is graded as mild, moderate, or severe based on clinical presentation and neurological examination findings. Moderate to severe HIE may be treated with therapeutic hypothermia to reduce secondary brain injury. Long-term outcomes range from normal development to severe disabilities including cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and epilepsy.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use; grading system (mild/moderate/severe) should be specified when mentioned.
In Context
- "The newborn met criteria for therapeutic hypothermia due to moderate HIE." — NICU admission note
- "MRI findings were consistent with HIE affecting the basal ganglia and thalami." — Radiology report